The issue: TransCanada is planning to convert a natural gas pipeline through the Ottawa area to one that transports tar sands bitumen east on its way from Alberta to New Brunswick. (The Ottawa Riverkeeper has a map of the proposed pipeline route through the Ottawa River watershed here.)

The plan has prompted concerns about the potential of a spill, which would pollute groundwater, soil and rivers. The pipeline would also facilitate an increase in tar sands oil production, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Communities along the route are calling for renewable energy alternatives, rather than continued efforts to increase production of unsustainable energy.

What’s next? The Ontario Energy Board is holding the second of two rounds of public consultations on the proposed pipeline. They’ll be in Ottawa on January 22, 2015. What people say there will inform the Ontario government’s position on the pipeline and its effects.

Here’s what you can do:

1. For more information about the pipeline and getting involved, participate in Ecology Ottawa’s online webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015 at 7 p.m. (Details here.)